Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi is close to leaving the Gunners after picking his next club, but it is not Chelsea, Real Madrid or Liverpool, according to a report.

Zubimendi lost his place in the Arsenal starting line-up towards the end of last season.

With Arsenal signing Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United in the summer of 2026, Zubimendi has become a peripheral figure for the Premier League champions this season.

The Spain international midfielder has made only one start in the Champions League and has played just seven minutes in the Premier League for Mikel Arteta’s side so far this campaign.

Martin Zubimendi wants to leave Arsenal

On November 3, TEAMtalk reported that Zubimendi is ready to leave Arsenal in the January transfer window.

The reliable transfer news outlet claimed that Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are interested in a January 2027 deal for Zubimendi.

The report added: ‘Sources can reveal that both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have been informed of the midfielder’s availability and are aware of the possibility that he could seek a January departure.

‘There has also been movement in the Premier League. Chelsea have been spoken to about the situation, while long-term admirers Liverpool have also been informed, though the Reds are seen as less likely to make a move at this stage, with their previous interest dating back to their previous management.’

The report added: ‘TEAMtalk understands Arsenal are aware of Zubimendi’s feelings and the possibility that he will look to move on in January.

‘The club are therefore preparing for the prospect of interest in a player they only signed relatively recently.’

Martin Zubimendi close to Atletico Madrid move

It has now emerged that Zubimendi has picked Atletico Madrid as his next club.

According to RNE Deportes, Zubimendi ‘is close to joining the red-and-white club’.

🤔¿Zubimendi, al @Atleti ?

👉El jugador del @Arsenal está cerca del club rojiblanco, según ha podido saber @rne

⚽️El futbolista ya sonó para salir del club inglés en verano y podría ser el sustituto de Julián Álvarez en el equipo del Cholo

🎙️Informa Silvia Barba 👇

— RNE Deportes (@RNEdeportes) November 9, 2026

Atletico are third in LaLiga at the moment with 28 points from 12 matches, five points behind leaders and defending champions Barcelona.

Diego Simeone’s side, though, are not having the best of times in the Champions League this season.

Atleti have picked up just four points from four matches in Europe’s premier club competition.